Top 5 Minivans For 2008

What we thinkRoom for eight, a powerful V-6 and a versatile cargo space with a removable second row of seats and a third row that folds flat into the floor, this minivan has it all. The interior feels more high quality than those of its rivals, and an excellent performance in crash tests earned the Odyssey a top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

What we thinkComing in at a close second to the Odyssey, the Chrysler Town and Country has swiveling second row seating and a storable table, letting the five rear occupants play games or eat on the road. The base 3.3-liter engine gets the job done, but we’d recommend the optional 4.0-liter to really zip around town.

What we thinkThe interior, dedicated to storage spaces, convenient clothes and bag hooks and 10 cup holders, can seat seven or an optional eight. Trimmings and model types can bump the price to over $40,000, but the Sienna offers gadgets like a power-folding third row of seats that add even more convenience to your daily commute. Oh, and its 266 horsepower actually makes it fun to drive.

What we thinkLike its GM companion, the Town and Country, the Dodge Grand Caravan also has swiveling middle seats, increasing usability within the cabin. The exterior design is slightly more aggressive than the others’ and its starting price is lower than all except the Kia, potentially swaying buyers over to the Dodge.

What we think The Kia may be the budget option of the group, but it hardly sacrifices anything for the price. Its five-star safety ratings, removable second row of seats, fold flat third row and an array of standard features give it an in with the competition. And, unlike the others, the price stays within reason, even if you opt for that 660-watt surround sound audio system. Gotta drown out the whining somehow.